NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has captured new images of the retired InSight Mars lander, revealing the accumulation of dust on its solar panels. Taken on October 23, 2024, with the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera, the images illustrate how the lander, which touched down in November 2018, has blended into the Martian landscape.
InSight made history by being the first to detect marsquakes on Mars, providing insights into the planet's crust, mantle, and core. After concluding its mission in December 2022 due to power loss, NASA continued to monitor for potential signals from InSight, but plans to cease listening by the end of this year.
Scientists have requested these latest images to track changes at the landing site and understand the processes affecting Mars' surface. Ingrid Daubar from Brown University emphasized the importance of studying dust accumulation, which influences the Martian environment and future mission planning.
The research into dust dynamics is critical, as it shapes both Mars' atmosphere and landscape. Previous studies have linked MRO imagery with InSight's wind sensor data, revealing seasonal variations in dust devil activity.
InSight's legacy includes contributions from various international partners, with instruments provided by France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. The mission was part of NASA's Discovery Program, furthering our understanding of the Red Planet.